And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.
So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone,
and especially to those who are of the household of faith.
Galatians 6:9-10 ESV
You Still Have Something to Offer
Karen is a painter. She’s also a baker. And an engineer. She’s a mom of three adult daughters, a wife, and hands-down the most creative person I know. (I’m convinced anything she touches becomes beautiful.)
When I emailed her five months ago asking if we could get a coffee and talk, Karen said yes.
I was in a strange place in my life — there were hurts inside of me, things I wasn’t sure how to articulate. I wanted to talk to someone but wasn’t sure how.
Karen is quiet. She is wise. She looked at me from across the table and said, “Take your time. We have time. There’s no rush.”
I let out a long exhale. I felt a stillness inside of me.
Karen wasn’t just talking about that specific day — she was talking about the entirety of our friendship. She has shown up for me countless times. When I released my novel last month at my book launch party, Karen decorated the venue. (It was stunning, to say the least.) Karen serves in a way where you don’t even realize she’s there.
Her hospitality is not about her; it’s about opening herself up to be there for others.
When you talk to Karen, you feel heard. She paints pictures and gives them away. She bakes and cooks food that somehow ends up looking like art. I often tell my mom, “I want to be more like Karen.”
Karen does not grow weary of doing good. She does everything with intention. Even in the midst of her own pain, she has room for others. The conversations we have shared have helped me to heal. Karen offers all that she has — all of the gifts God has given her — and she gives them right back.
I often grow weary, thinking I have nothing left to offer.
But both Karen and God teach me: there is always something to offer. There is always a place for us.
What do you have to offer the kingdom of God?
Leave a Comment
Summer Rae says
Aliza,
How blessed we are to have such amazing women of God as role models to challenge and inspire us… I thank God everyday for putting a “Karen” in my life and for both her, and His, patience with me. Never ceasing to teach me and love me. I pray you, your family and Miss Karen’s all have a blessed day.
This side of Heaven,
Summer Rae
Bev @ Walking Well With God says
Aliza,
I have found that ironically, the more pain and trials I have persevered through in God’s strength, the more I have to offer. Not in the moment I’m going through the trials, because then I am leaning….leaning hard into the arms of God and allowing myself to be lifted up by the prayers of prayer warriors that surround me, but when God brings me through (and He has always been faithful to bring me through or give me the grace that is sufficient to bear ongoing infirmities), I have so much more to offer those around me like compassion, empathy, intercessory prayer, listening ears, hands and feet that move and do and act. Why?, because I’ve been there and I know what it feels like to be weak, confused, powerless, and hopeless at times. Through our pain, God molds our hearts to be more like Jesus. So though you are dealing with pain right now, like your good friend, God will use your experiences to mold you into His faithful servant. Hang in there girl….God’s not done with you yet!!
Blessings,
Bev xx
Mary Jane Sepmeier says
I just want to thank you for what you shared, above. You caught me when I was falling, today, and your words offered me comfort, and hope. I am leaving a relationship and moving from where I have lived for 40 years to come back to the South, and be with people whom I have known since we were 3 years old, and playing together, while our Mamas visited.
I have been terrified, today, and had an anxiety attack, over the seemingly enormity of what I have undertaken, and what I am leaving behind. This is the first time I have come upon this website. I just wanted you to know that I will always appreciate your perspective on trials and how to view hardships — not as I had been feeling, incapacitors, but taking your view— – they become facilitators. This is AWESOME INFO!
Thank you for the lifeline you threw me, today.
Bev @ Walking Well With God says
Mary Jane,
No, it’s not easy when you are going through it. I have experienced many anxiety attacks and I know they are not fun. I have been abandoned after a 26 year marriage and wondered where on earth I would land? God has always been there with His righteous right hand and He is calling you to lean into Him like never before. He WILL bring you through and will not leave you stuck. He has already gone ahead and prepared a place for you where you are going. Here are a few of my favorite scripture reminders when going through trials of this magnitude:
Isaiah 41:13, Isaiah 41:10 Psalm 16:8
Praying for you sweet sister,
Bev ((Hugs))
Michele Morin says
As wonderful as Karen sounds (and I’m thankful for the “Karens” in my life, I am more blessed by the way you reached out and initiated the conversation that brought truth and mercy into the hurts that were inside you, that you found courage to articulate them and to seek help. So often we are intimidated by our Karens instead of tapping into their gifting. I think we get confused about just where (and Whom) the gifts come from. Thanks for inspiration to be more intentional in appreciating the diverse group of sisters who surround and bless me every Sunday!
Renae says
This is one of my favorite scriptures. I have it all over my house. When you are in ministry, so often you feel like just giving up, like what you’re doing just isn’t affecting anyone, and like you said, like you have nothing to offer.
So then God reminds me that He is God and I am not. (Thank Goodness!) and that He is still working in the background, and that what we are doing for Him always matters.
Thank you for your ministry! It’s working!
Mila says
Thank you for sharing. I don’t really have any Karens in my life @ this time , but I know it’s just a matter of time before God brings me a precious gift as such. I’m going through a painful trial ,but in times like this( without a Karen) God himself is my” ever present help in times of trouble” like he was for David.
EAJ810 says
I want to offer kindness to others and invite them to attend church and fellowship
Dawn says
I have gone through trial after trial, physical and emotional as well as financial without anyone but my therapist to talk with once a wk. I have been on a healing journey inwardly as I go through these trials. I live with chronic pain which has been intense at times and a whole mess of health issues. Two wks ago, I was dx with Rheumatoid Arthritis. The fatique is overwhelming. The pain in my left hand and other joints keeps me from doing a whole lot of anything. When I push to do what I need to do or want to do, I am spent most often for the rest of the wk. Long ago, I heard God tell me what I was called to do, yet, I get discouraged from time to time, wondering how is that ever going to happen or will it ever happen. I am 64 yrs. old. I live alone, have one aide several times a wk. to help me housework and get me to my many medical appts. For two yrs. I have not had a van since my h/c accessible van broke down and was too expensive to replace. I have been stuck in my apt. except for med. appts. and a few visits to my daughters house to see my grandsons, one who is 6 mos. old. I have journeyed alone through most of all I have been through, spiritually and emotionally. Friends, the few that are left do not stay in touch. My church as well as others I have been in do not bother to reach out. I long for a Karen in my life, actually several, as it take a village to help a person as myself, in fact we all need a village to walk beside us, each bringing his/her own talents. I also long for Spiritual Prayer Warriors to pray for me consistently as the inner work I am doing as well as the physical ailments need an army of strong warriors. I have been the Karen to others in my life, now I am in need and have been for some time. I would appreciate prayer.
Diane says
Praying for a Karen in your life, Dawn. God will supply all your needs according to His plan. May He pour grace, mercy, and strength into your life as you wait. And may we all be more sensitive to be the Karen in the lives of others!
Dawn says
Thank you Diane for praying. I am most grateful.
Yolanda says
Dawn I will be praying for you now iwn. I pray soon God will bless you with a Karen to come along side you.
Dawn says
Yolanda, Thank you for praying for me. It means so much, so very much.
Jas says
God please bring a Karen into Dawns life to help her, keep her company and friendship. In your name, Amen xx
Rebecca L Jones says
I have the words God pours into me. If anyone is interested in joining the 31 Days in October Writer’s Challenge, there’s still time if you’ve got something on your heart or in the works. Join me, I writing about angels.
Beth Williams says
Aliza,
This reminds me of the John Wesley quote: “Do all the good you can. By all the means you can. In all the ways you can. In all the places you can. At all the times you can. To all the people you can. As long as ever you can.” Don’t ever think you have nothing to offer. There is much to do. One can pray, clean up, call people. Just sitting with people in nursing homes or assisted living & giving them a hug or a smile. Matthew 25:40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ My motto is: go do something!
Blessings 🙂
M says
Dawn, I am praying for you; for blessing in your life, healing and for possibly a car that can be fixed. I pray for community for you.
We are struggling financially right now. I have two babies and my husband is working a job that doesn’t pay much while he goes to school full time. Please pray for us. Thank you.